In addition to qualifying for State Liheap programs, you can further reduce your energy costs by investing in energy efficient appliances. Your total home energy costs from your utility come from the variety of appliances in your home, ranging from laundry machines to dish washers and lighting, all of which can be improved to get better results.
Many home feature older appliances, which use more energy and water for each cycle, resulting in higher overall energy bills. Newer appliances are certified by the government’s Energy Star program, as well as featuring Energy Guide labels which show the potential costs of operation. Take into account the energy use that you need, in addition to efficiency measures. Given that most households utilize an appliance for over 10 years, your purchase of an energy efficient appliance is an investment in the future: with a combination of tax credits and savings on your monthly bills, you can realize important savings on your overall energy bill.
While your budget may only allow for you to replace some of your appliances, it’s best to start with minor tweaks that can lower your overall costs, such as investing in more efficient light bulbs and improving the insulation of your home. If you have an old refrigerator or furnace, it may be even more beneficial to realize energy savings on your monthly bill, as well as considering a smaller appliance that is better suited for the needs of your home. Modern refrigeration systems can save up to 20% of energy use relative to older systems. Laundry machines can also be a source of savings, especially with new, front loading, energy efficient systems which use less water and heading. You can, further, save by using a cold water wash and more efficient load sizes. A major summer-time energy cost is in air conditioning, and efficient fan installation can help to cool a home without the use of as much energy, so think creatively when coming up with ideas for savings.
